Dear Dopers,
Yesterday, I acquired a lovely scrape (about 9 square inches of skin removed) on my leg when I slipped on some talus. Next weekend I plan to visit several hot springs. Should I be worried at all about my soaking my injury in natural springs? What precautions should I take? Thank you (in advance) for your answers.
Love,
Yumanite.
Seems to me it would depend on the makup or chemical composition of the particular hot springs you plan to visit. Each one is different even if they are only a few feet apart.
Your abrasion is likely to bother you a bit more because of the length of time it will likely spend immersed in warm water. In other words it’ll probably be more tender. However, the mental healing properties will more than offset any discomfort.
About the only sane precautions you can take would entail the addition of another jug of good wine, seldom a bad idea.
I’m not, of course, trying to scare the pants off you, as I’m sure your situation is vastly different, but forewarned is forearmed, so here’s a somewhat topical story.
As I said I’d guess your situation is very different. I’d bet you’re younger, and the hot springs you’re going to probably don’t come complete with fish, and I’d bet they’re fresh water instead of salt. But if you do become ill afterwards, don’t assume it’s just the flu.
Some more info about the springs:
Kaiser Hot Spring: 99 degrees F, couldn’t find info RE chemical compostion
Gold Strike Hot Spring: couldn’t find nuthin’.
AZ Hot Spring: 85-120 deg F, " highly mineralized containing chloride, sulphate, sodium, potassium, calcium, and fluoride" (from this site)
I know that there is a bug which can cause meningitis if it enters the nose or mouth in some hot springs. What about broken skin, though? Is that an issue? I will be keeping my nose clean, but I want to get the rest of me wet!